DAR ES SALAAM – Regional leaders at a joint summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) (EAC-SADC Summit) in Tanzania on Saturday demanded an immediate ceasefire in the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The high-stakes EAC-SADC Summit brought together leaders to address the ongoing violence and its impact on the region.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted the EAC-SADC Summit, which was attended in person by Kenyan President William Ruto, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa joined, while Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi attended virtually, with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa representing him in person. Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni attended the EAC-SADC Summit too.
In her opening remarks at the EAC-SADC Summit, President Hassan stressed the urgency of restoring peace. “The ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo threatens not just Congo but the entire region. This summit must produce decisive actions for peace and security,” she said.
The leaders discussed both diplomatic and military interventions, including the possibility of a reinforced regional peacekeeping force.
EAC Chairperson President Ruto called for an immediate ceasefire, stressing that a military solution would not bring lasting peace. He urged all conflicting parties, including the M23 rebel group and the Congolese armed forces, to halt hostilities and commit to diplomatic negotiations.
“The recent escalation of hostilities in Goma and surrounding areas is a stark reminder of the increasing fragility of the situation,” Mr Ruto said at EAC-SADC Summit, adding that only collective action to facilitate a negotiated solution will offer relief.
Mr Ruto also emphasised the importance of respecting the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that continued violence would only deepen the humanitarian crisis. “We must resist the temptation to think that we can somehow shoot or bombard our way into a solution,” he added. He further proposed that the EAC-SADC initiative be backed by a strong secretariat to coordinate peace efforts, monitor developments, and ensure effective implementation of resolutions.
SADC Chairperson Mr Mnangagwa underscored the importance of unity between the two regional blocs. He urged leaders to act decisively, drawing a parallel between the current crisis and Africa’s past struggles for independence. “We have a duty and collective responsibility to comprehensively and frankly tackle the challenges that are affecting the people of Eastern DRC,” said Mr Mnangagwa at EAC-SADC Summit, stressing that more has to be done to ensure sustainability for DRC’s peace. He called for openness, honesty, and flexibility in peace efforts, emphasising that diplomacy should remain the primary tool for resolving the crisis.
President Hassan reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the DRC, stressing that history would judge regional leaders harshly if they failed to act. “We have a collective responsibility to address the ongoing insecurity and challenges that have severely affected the well-being of innocent civilians.” She further called for stronger cooperation between EAC and SADC, stating that a regional approach was the best way to achieve sustainable peace.
President Museveni stated, “My earlier proposal for this summit was that Tshisekedi should speak directly to those who are in conflict with him, as this impacts all of us. There is no other forum better suited to address this issue than this summit. I therefore hope for a fruitful discussion.”
EAC-SADC Summit follows a series of meetings
The EAC-SADC Summit in Dar es Salaam follows a series of separate meetings held by EAC and SADC in recent weeks to address the deteriorating situation in DRC. In early August 2024, EAC leaders met in Nairobi to discuss the deployment of a regional force to stabilise eastern DRC.
SADC leaders convened in Luanda to deliberate on diplomatic initiatives and military support strategies. Despite these efforts, fighting has continued, particularly between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group, leading to further displacement of civilians.
Speaking Friday at a special Human Rights Council session in Geneva, UN rights chief Volker Turk condemned the escalating violence in eastern Congo, particularly in North and South Kivu, where the M23 armed group, backed by the Rwandan Defense Forces, has intensified its offensive.
Since Jan. 26, more than 3,000 people have been killed, 2,880 injured, and over 500,000 displaced, adding to the 6.4 million already internally displaced, according to Mr Turk.
According to humanitarian agencies, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
President Ruto called on the international community to step up support for regional peace efforts, urging collaboration with the Congolese government to ensure security and humanitarian relief. “The lives of millions depend on our ability to navigate this complex situation with wisdom, clarity, and empathy,” he said.
